Self-published in 1899 and sold door-to-door by the author, this classic African-American novel—a gripping exploration of oppression, miscegenation, exploitation, and black empowerment—was a major bestseller in its day. The dramatic story of a conciliatory black man and a mulatto nationalist who grow up in a racist America and are driven to join a radical movement dedicated to the creation of an all-black nation in Texas, Imperium in Imperio had a profound influence on the develop...

Writing, publishing, and marketing five politically engaged novels that appeared between 1899 and 1908, Sutton E. Griggs (1872-1933) was among the most prolific African American authors at the turn of the twentieth century. In contrast to his Northern contemporaries Paul Laurence Dunbar and Charles Chesnutt, Griggs, as W. E. B. Du Bois remarked, "spoke primarily to the Negro race," using his own Nashville-based publishing company to produce four of his novels. Griggs pastored Baptist churc...

Sutton E. Griggs’s first novel, originally published in 1899, paints a searing picture of the violent enforcement of disfranchisement and Jim Crow racial segregation. Based on events of the time, including US imperial policies, revolutionary movements, and racial protests, Imperium in Imperio introduces the fictional Belton Piedmont and Bernard Belgrave as “future leaders of their race” and uses these characters to make sense of the violence that marked the dawn of the twentieth c...

Chains Unbroken – 3 Classic Slavery and Reconstruction Narratives cohesively brings together the voices of historic figures crucial to understanding America's complex past. The anthology juxtaposes diverse literary voices, blending narrative styles ranging from autobiographical reflection to fictional exploration. This harmonious convergence unveils varied perspectives on slavery and the Reconstruction era, illuminating the nuances of resilience, identity, and freedom. Each piece within th...

African American Literature on Racial Injustice – 3 Classic Race-Conscious Novels delves into the profound themes of racial identity, social justice, and the African American experience through a compilation of novels that span the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This anthology presents a compelling exploration of diverse literary styles, from the potent realism of urban life to the allegorical and symbolic narratives. The collection captures a pivotal moment in American literature, re...

Historic Narratives of Black Resistance – 4 Classic Historical Novels offers a profound exploration of resistance and resilience through the power of storytelling. This anthology presents a tapestry of narratives spanning diverse literary styles, from poignant realism to fervent romanticism, all unified by the overarching themes of courage and defiance. These works illuminate the African American struggle against oppression and injustice, showcasing the multifaceted dimensions of resistanc...

Between 1899 and 1908, five long works of fiction by the Nashville-based Black Baptist minister Sutton E. Griggs appeared in print in which he examined the interrelationships among race, politics, economics, gender, culture, religion, violence, and empire, making him the most prolific African American novelist at the turn of the twentieth century, a time at which the civil rights and the very existence of African Americans, especially those in the South, were increasingly in jeopardy....

The Secret History of Black America – 3 Classic Slavery Fiction Novels presents a compelling exploration of slavery through diverse literary forms, ranging from historical narrative to allegorical fiction. This anthology offers a profound insight into the antebellum era, capturing the intricacies of American slavery and the resilience of Black individuals. While the novels share a common theme of exploring freedom and identity, they present varied stylistic approaches, enriching the reader...

A Century of Black Liberation – 6 Classic African American Protest Narratives offers readers an enriching dive into the turbulent waters of America's racial history through the lens of powerful narratives. This collection encapsulates the vast range of styles from poignant slave narratives to evocative fiction, capturing the relentless quest for freedom and equality. The anthology shines with diverse tales that paint a vivid picture of both struggle and triumph. Whether it's the searing de...

This carefully crafted ebook: "Slavery: Not Forgiven, Never Forgotten" is formatted for your eReader with a functional and detailed table of contents: Memoirs Narrative of Frederick Douglass 12 Years a Slave The Underground Railroad Up From Slavery Willie Lynch Letter Confessions of Nat Turner Narrative of Sojourner Truth Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl History of Mary Prince Running a Thousand Miles for Freedom Thirty Years a Slave Narrative of the Life of J. D. Green The Life of Ol...

Griggs's novel is set in the post-Reconstruction South and centers on the story of two childhood friends, Bernard Belgrave and Belton Piedmont, who grow up to become leaders in the African American community. As they navigate the racial tensions and injustices of the era, they become involved in a secret organization called Imperium in Imperio, which advocates for the rights and advancement of African Americans.The novel delves into themes of racial inequality, social justice, and the stru...

"The Hindered Hand" is a work of fiction that addresses social and racial issues in the United States during the early 20th century. The novel follows the story of Rena Walden, a young African-American woman who faces various challenges and injustices due to systemic racism and oppression.The title "The Hindered Hand" suggests that the novel explores the ways in which individuals, particularly African Americans, are hindered or restricted by the discriminatory practices and attitudes of so...